2014 Outlook, part 2

In my previous post, I outlined the themes of each month of 2014 for myself, to determine where to align my energies in accordance with my highest good. In this post, I'm delving into the various areas of my life to determine the same thing. I'm using the Psychic Tarot Oracle again.

Ambition: Firm Foundation. Seems like my sense of ambition will continue being as solid as it is today. This could also suggest that progress will finally begin, now that things are "sturdy" enough. Whatever the case, I can relax a bit knowing that all I need to do is keep believing in my ambitions, because for me, this card says I'm right on track.

Creativity: Heart Chakra. This kind of surprised me, but its message is clear: I need to work from a place of compassion. Seriously. I need to stop worrying about the financial aspects, or not being "good enough," or the competition of the psychic industry. I just need to take my career one client at a time, open my heart to them, and honestly help them through whatever they need help with. On a more personal note, I need to work on my own creative projects with an open heart, as well. I need to stop judging myself and my work, and create things honestly without obsessing over skill. Work out of love in all things.

Health: New Beginnings. I'm not exactly sure how these two relate to each other. It's not as though I've been having health problems, so I think perhaps what this card is suggesting I focus on is a new way of approaching my health. I really need to incorporate some sort of exercise in my day, and I also need to get outside more and eat more plant-based foods (a post on my current diet is to be expected in the near future). I think a mix of these things will help me out tremendously during the year as I work through my issues and changes. 

Money: Harmony. A little baffling, since the image emphasizes harmony in relationships more than anything else. It also appeared in reverse, although I don't read reverse anymore. With that in mind, I'm just going to assume that money won't be too big of a problem this year. Maybe some minor issues as I try to get settled, but otherwise, nothing I can't handle. 

Emotions: Material & Spiritual Prosperity. Well, wow. There's definitely a sense of well-being & contentment with this card. I need to align myself with these feelings and remind myself to focus on abundance/prosperity in all forms. I'm being looked after this year, and this card reassures me that I'll have more than enough to do what I need to do.

Relationships: Sacrifice. It's funny how eager I was to know the outcome of this card now that I'm actually in a relationship. I think it's a bit impatient to want to know the future of a relationship, but... it's kind of hard to not want that. We don't want to get hurt, after all. Of course, it's also presumptuous of me to assume Sacrifice refers to my current partner. What a devilish card, though. What sacrifice will I have to make? Who will that sacrifice be for? Or is this card simply telling me that sacrifice in relationships is something I'll have to learn how to do (perhaps relating to an event I can anticipate)? Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Mind: Universe. What a powerful card. It's almost too vast to determine what it means for me in 2014. I don't want to say things like, "My awareness will be greatly increased," or "I'll feel more unity," but... those are the impressions I get from this card. Perhaps I will resonate more with the sense of existing, or being, in this universe. Perhaps I will finally find truth that sticks with me through all things. It's hard to say with such a vast card. Maybe all I need to know is that I need to see things from a much bigger perspective, and to remember that there's so much more to a situation than meets the eye.

Struggles: Intuition. I was expecting something a bit more concrete, but I'm actually not surprised with this outcome. One of my biggest struggles this past year has been the battle between rationality and intuition, and it looks like the same thing will be carried on into next year, which makes sense, seeing as I will be in a state of transition and will be relying on my intuition to guide the way. 

Recurring Energies from 2013: Discontent & Boredom. This is certainly reassuring. I'm actually a bit confused now, seeing how the rest of my reading/outlook has put such an emphasis on following my passions, making transitions, and receiving abundance. However, this is an emotional card, and I think the book puts more of an emphasis on discontentment and boredom in relationships, which I do admit I've struggled with over the past year, as well. Maintaining relationships and friendships seems almost like a chore now, even though I don't intend it to be. So that's the meaning I'll glean for myself here.

New Energies Manifesting for 2014: Fulfillment of Wishes. This card again! How lovely! This is so exciting to hear. I can't wait to see what kinds of wishes will be granted. I just need to get my head into manifestation mode and wait to find out. 

Numerology for this part of the reading: 4, representing stability, structure, realization and planning. That's a bit of a comfort, seeing how I expect a lot of instability with all these changes. 

So there I have it. A year of beginnings, ends, and changes awaits me. I'm going to use the rest of December to relax and recuperate, and when January comes, it'll be straight to business (or almost straight to business... at least after my brother leaves). 

I can do this. 

2014 Outlook, part 1

It's that time of year again... 

I broke out my Psychic Tarot Oracle to give myself a light overview of 2014. Of course, I don't do these readings to anticipate what will happen in my future; I simply ask spirit to give me a "theme" to focus on for each month so that I can make the most out of each year. My outlook for 2013 was pretty accurate, and gave me just enough to know where to concentrate my energy in alignment with the forces at work in my life. I'm hoping to do the same for 2014. 

I'm dividing this reading in two parts: the first part simply outlining the "theme" of each month, and the second part delving into more specific areas, such as finance, relationships, career, spiritual development, and so on. 

So for the first part...

January: Fulfillment of Wishes. I was so happy to see this card at the start of my year. I've been going through so much inner/emotional turmoil and stress that it was just so relieving to see that I'll have a chance to have some of my wishes and dreams fulfilled. What this means is: I need to align my energies toward manifestation this month. I need to concentrate on what I really want and express the energy to make it happen, because the universe has my back. 

February: Prosperity Begins. I was delighted to see this come up next! This is a physical card that obviously promises some sort of material abundance. I need to keep focusing on manifestation throughout February in order to make the most out of it, and start tending those seeds I'm planting. 

March: Patience  & Planning. Another physical card that urges me to take the time to ensure I take the necessary steps toward creating the next phase of my life. This will probably be the month I start the process of dropping out of art school, so I need to remember to be patient and do my research to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. This card also reminds me to take care of those seeds. 

April: Solitude. This card is a bit too general to glean any specific meaning from, but I think it's enough to remind myself that the theme of April is solitude. It'll probably make more sense to me when April comes around. I need to take the time to look inward and perhaps explore myself a bit more. Who knows? Perhaps this also indicates the month when I move out or start becoming more independent. 

May: Rejoice in Celebration. Another heartwarming emotional card that is as clear as it gets. May is a time of celebration for me. I obviously can't say what I'll be celebrating, but when the time comes, I need to remember to immerse myself in the experience, because it sounds like something big.

June: Sacral Chakra. Seems like I'm going to be working on creativity and sexuality this month. Not much else to glean from this. All I can do is remember to focus on these energies; it could be in the form of creativity/career, or maybe even a relationship... hm. Will have to wait and see.

July: Crown Chakra. Two chakra cards back-to-back... how interesting. Seems like July will be centered around higher consciousness and spirituality. Sounds exciting. I wonder if this is related to the events of June - maybe a progression or evolution of sorts. 

August: Awareness. Yep. Seems like a progression of sorts. A series of events/experiences that open me up to awareness and clarity? This looks more like a month of observation than action... yet the card speaks so much more than that - almost like an awakening, or opening up to a greater state of being. 

September: Intuition. Like a few other cards, a big general, since I use my intuition all the time. I guess I'm assuming something going on this month will require some serious intuitive work. Could be "big stuff" occurring that will result in a battle between logic/rationality and intuition. That's the impression I get, anyway. 

October: Memories of Love. Looks like I may be getting a little nostalgic this month. Someone from my past may resurface and the feelings I receive from this "reunion" will probably encourage me to reflect on how my emotional life is. I need to remind myself to remain in balance emotionally.

November: Material Harvest. Ah. There it is. So the seeds I planted in the beginning of the year will have fruit for the taking late in the year. Already, I'm anticipating those "lessons" of faith and trust.. having to deal with my parents and convince them I'll be well off - trying to trust that I will be abundant at the right time. What's interesting is that this material abundance occurs right around the time my parents will be preparing to move overseas - assuming, of course, that that still happens. We still have no idea. But it's comforting to know that I'll have abundance in some form this year. 

December: Passion Ignited. I get the feeling this is closely tied with Material Harvest, but dang, what a lovely card to end the year with. There's such an ecstasy associated with this image that really reassures me that I'll truly find and live my passions. Yes, I have to work through the nasty/tedious/scary stuff first, but it's clear that this beautiful light is at the end of the tunnel, and now that I know it's there, I'm that much more eager to work on my issues so that I can finally live the life I've always dreamed of. 

Now for the numerology of this reading... 9 and 1 came up the most, with 9 representing completion, endings, transition, and accomplishment, and 1 representing self, unity, beginnings, willpower, courage, and initiation. Beginnings and ends... isn't that fascinating? It's also completely accurate. I expect 2014 to be a year of many transitions and lots of self-work. The ends will be based around me leaving an old chapter of my life: going to art school, being dependent on my parents. The beginnings will be based on me starting a new chapter: being independent, learning to thrive in this society, and working toward my passions. 

I kept saying the theme of 2013 for me was adventure. Although I do feel I could've been a lot more adventurous, I have no regrets for this year. I did what I felt I needed to do. I went to school for the first half of the year, and then spent time at home to reflect on myself for the second half. I'm going to write up a 2013 reflection after my second reading post so I can have a better idea of what I accomplished... but looking ahead, I feel the theme of 2014 is, as the cards suggest, transition. Transition will lead to many changes, and therefore many fears, but I have to remind myself that I'm strong, and devoted, and eager to live the life I'm here to live. I can handle whatever comes my way.    

As Within

Normally, I post most of my readings in my private blog, but I felt this one is just so darned accurate/relevant that it belongs here. 

I pulled out my beloved Mary-el tarot because for weeks, I've been feeling the need to draw from it. So while my PC was installing updates, I sat and focused on three that best described my situation. I called on Pierre, since his energy is the one I associate with this deck, but something unimaginable happened: I couldn't feel him. It felt forced. Perhaps it's been so long that I've lost touch with these guiding energies... I guess I'll find out soon enough.

So I just called on Andromeda, or Adonai, or whatever consciousness is out there. And here's what I ended up with:

• The Devil. Cages, prisons, bondage. Hell. Lies, illusions. The need to keep solidarity in your beliefs, continue to do what is right no matter what should happen. Use the power and force of your fate for good, channel and direct it toward your destiny rather than your destruction. Your shadow side.
• The High Priestess. Mysteries. Feminine, internal knowledge. Look within for answers. What is hidden, secret, occult. Deep, ancient knowledge. Create contrast or polarity.
• 8 of Swords. An unsolved problem, fear, grief, suffering, self-inflicted suffering. Change thoughts, change actions, change cycles. Echo, reverberation. Keep your heart light. Imagine what you desire and nothing else. Know and be true to yourself.

Yup. Pretty accurate... especially that 8 of Swords. But a lot of important tidbits were brought up here, and it's given me quite a bit of perspective on how to handle my situation. So in other words: I have a starting point now. Over these past several days, I've been trying to stick my feet back into all things spiritual. But I think before I start working with other people again, I need to work on myself. 

Time to crack out the pretty music.

Beltane

"Beltane Reunion" - by Emily Balivet

May. Although I could truly care less about what day/month it is, knowing that it's finally "May" is quite a sigh of relief, because that means the end of the quarter is around the corner. 9 more actual days of school. 

With the first day of May comes Beltane, celebrating the fertility and abundance of earth and good old-fashioned sexual energy. I won't pretend to be an expert on Beltane, because I'm certainly not, but I do respect and admire what it represents... it's part of the reason why I love spring so much. Abundance... new energies. A time for things to begin anew. 

I did a reading for myself. Nothing too elaborate - just an elemental sort of thing, two cards per energy. I asked Spike about the emotional, Pierre about the spiritual, El'azar about the physical, and Leon about the mental. Since I already wrote it down on my private blog, I'll just make a quick jotlist of what came up:

• Emotionally, I'm balanced at present, especially in regard to masculine and feminine energies. I'm approaching my situation with both male and female qualities, which is quite true. To improve my emotional state, I merely have to go with the flow. Emotion isn't something you can "force." You can change your perspective, and improve understanding, but if you're depressed, the cover of "happiness" only lasts so long.
• Physically, I'm in a place of ecstasy. El'azar had some strange answers for me. I don't feel like I'm in a place of physical ecstasy, but I think that's exactly why he chose this card for me. I'm focusing too much on the future - it dominates my thoughts. As for improvement, another incredibly odd choice: a card that essentially parallels The Tower. So I think a big change stands in the way of improving my physical state.
• Mentally, I'm in the right place. Leon is encouraging the process of manifestation, and is saying that my thoughts are promising prosperity. To improve my mental state, I merely have to keep aware of my thoughts... my intentions.
• Spiritually, I'm expanding, but Pierre says there is power that is "trapped" within me - potential that has yet to be released. What kind of power? I'm not sure yet. But to improve my spiritual state, I have to focus more on compassion, of extending a loving hand rather than focusing on the material side of things. 

El'azar, as always, was pretty blunt. I'm always intrigued by the differing perspectives of these guiding energies. I can literally see their distinction... what they tend to focus on, as well as how they express it (e.g. Ellie's bluntness compared to Pierre's cryptic, metaphorical psyche-talk, compared to Leon's simple and straightforward messages, etc.). At least I know where some of my priorities lie now.

I have a lot on my mind. Obviously. In Italian Renaissance yesterday, I spent only a quarter of the time actually paying attention. The rest of that time was spent thinking about all the ideas I was getting about my psychic art business, what I could offer, etc., as well as other things. It makes me wonder if someone is legitimately inspiring me, as in encouraging me to actually offer me these things, or if it's just my materialistic mind thinking, "How else can I stand out from the crowd?"

I mean, I'm getting a lot of cool ideas... things that people might genuinely be interested in. And it would definitely help attract more potential clients... but I need to remember to focus on the helping part instead of the making money part. Which is difficult, I know, because I've been impressed with the urge to sustain myself, made stronger by my parents, whom I feel like I have to "prove wrong." Quite a challenge. But it's nice to know that my thoughts are relatively in the right place. The more I focus on this success, the better (and sooner?) I'll have it.

Of course, I'm still feeling the doubt. I just read a little post by Ravynne Phelan, the artist who illustrated the Mythic Oracle deck and is currently working on the Dreams of Gaia deck (which is so beautiful... holy Shiva, I can't wait). She was basically saying in a nutshell how difficult being an artist is, what with the whole "selling yourself and your products" thing. But despite everything she said, she still doesn't regret where she is, and is happy to be living the life she has. And that's what I needed to hear.

Like always, I had a lot more I was going to say. But it's already 10 AM, and I have a bit of homework to do with InDesign, although to be honest, I don't think I'm going to get much of it done. 

The creative energies are flowing in all the right places... I trust they'll lead me to the proper place. 

The Big 20

"Pisces" - by Josephine Wall

"Sometimes the fastest way isn't always the best way. Sometimes the best things in life take a while." 

That quote caught my attention on my tumblr dash this morning. I needed to see that reminder.

But yep. The big 20. I'm not much into the whole "age" thing but it's quite an interesting concept to contemplate. I still feel as young as ever - perhaps a bit wiser in my thoughts, deeds, and actions. Most people my age, it seems, feel "old." I definitely don't. Maybe it's because I don't know (or care) how the "real world" operates. That's the great thing about being a Pisces, I think: being a dreamer really keeps you young. 

And guess what? Remember when I said my mom ran off to attend the birth of my cousin's first child? It's very likely he'll be born today, of all days. And if that happens, that'll be some weird synchronicity and fascinating symbolism. I recently wrote a research paper on artist Max Ernst, who was reported to have connected the death of a pet cockatoo to the birth of a new sister. I kind of get the same feeling here... if this baby boy is born today, it'd be quite symbolic. I'm no longer considered a "teenager." Twenty marks a whole new age for me... and simultaneously, a brand new life is born. 

I plan on spending the rest of my day behind GW2. Dad's bringing me either sushi (if it's good) or miso salmon and cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory when he gets home. I also plan on downing a big can of Thai tea, too. So in other words - a nice, quiet birthday home alone. Sounds good. 

I called on Pierre for a "twentieth birthday" reading I found on Aeclectic. I have to admit I could almost feel him there... but not quite. He said this would be a powerful year for me, so I'm curious to see what his answers were in response to my questions:

Childhood - how my childhood shaped who I am today:
Page of Wands. There's definitely a sense of celebration with this card. Of passion and dreams. Intuitively, I know what's being said here. I have carried my youth with me all this time, which is why I struggle so much in life. I have the naivety and optimism of a child that many can't - or won't - appreciate or respect.

Teenager - more recent influences on who I am today:
3 of Disks. A very interesting card because of its emphasis on family. However, another strong idea is new birth, or a sense of love, compassion, peace, and dreams fulfilled. The new birth makes a lot of sense seeing how my teenage years were very much a "rebirth" - the most drastic being when I was about sixteen.

As I enter my twenties:
6 of Cups. Another intriguing card. At first, it comes off as "drowning," but upon closer inspection, there's a sense of triumph here. The figure depicted looks rather content, despite being almost entirely submerged in water. His crab-claw hands are the only things not submerged... and he's shown with wings. In fact, this looks more refreshing than dismal. It's not a "dark" card. It looks more like cleansing. And... wow. I really feel this card. I don't know if it's Pierre or just the deck, but dang. I know what this card means.

My potential future:
9 of Disks.This one gives me a feeling that I can't put into words. It's very earthy and very material (which makes sense given the suit). I get the impression of either triumphing over the material or ascending past the material, as in... it loses its importance. There's a lot of symbolism here and it's kind of difficult to take in all at once. Once again, I just know its meaning.

Things I need to outgrow or let go of:
4 of Cups. There's not a whole lot of "information" with this card. It shows a shell on a beach, with the waves hitting some rocks. It seems kind of overcast. I'd say "emotional turbulence" - maybe even spite or anger. But there's also a major sense of solitude or loneliness here. 

Things I need to embrace or nurture:
Knight of Disks. This doesn't appear to be a coincidence. The imagery in this card sums up one of my deepest desires: to live youthfully, simply, in nature. I know what this card means in my heart.

Skills and traits to develop:
10 of Wands. This card doesn't speak much on "skills" unless you have a bit of an imagination. It shows a man clad in fiery robes on the back of a white horse, with a bow in hand and arrows in a quiver. Every time I see a bow, I think of hunting, or seeking out that which I desire. So perhaps this card is less about "skill" and more about "traits," in which case I need to focus on just that - my desires. 

Challenges I must face:
7 of Disks. The first thing I notice about this card is the darkness. Its very abstract imagery... in fact, kind of tricky to decipher. It looks like the dark forms of mountains against a fiery sky (with a black sun either rising or setting)... plus several runes (the disks) and some feathery shapes. Once again, I just know. I can't put it into words.

Rewards I will reap:
4 of Wands. I'm looking up at a mighty tree as fire seems to consume it. But it doesn't look "bad" to me. I get more the impression of the "cycle of life" - where forest fires consume and leave behind fertile soil for better, more improved things to grow. I am that forest - all the old will be burned away, leaving behind sprouts of new life. 

Hopes and fears as I enter adulthood:
10 of Swords. A very applicable card because it's quite dark. It looks like "death" imagery in the traditional sense: a figure (or in this case, bird-creature) on horseback with a scythe... I believe this is the card that represents defeat, in which case this is very accurate. I'm resisting "adult life" as much as I can because I don't know how this crazy modern world works and I don't resonate with it - plus, I don't want to be taken advantage of. 

A birthday gift:
6 of Wands. A strong, confident, yet calm figure is depicted with a black, serpentine, dragon-esque creature. It almost seems like me. Maybe that's the point. Is it any surprise that a black dragon-esque creature is paired with this figure? Perhaps this one is meant to remind me of my true roots... to remind me that I don't have to be anyone other than myself. And that's a lovely gift. 

So there I have it. Wow. The Mary-el is something else... but what's odd is that this is the first reading I've had where I've been so consciously aware of what the cards mean to me intuitively. I don't know if it's Pierre or just the deck or a mix of both, but I felt like I knew instantly what the cards meant without studying their imagery or symbolism for too long. I like to think Pierre has to do with it a bit... he always seems to come in so clearly, even if he now seems like a figment of my imagination (but, I remind myself, remember what Adonai said about imagination...). 

I'm excited. I feel hopeful... the sun is making a return.          

Year of the Snake

"Medusa" - by Rob Shields

Although I'm a little sad to see Year of the Dragon go, I have to admit I'm very happy to see Snake arrive. Like dragons, snakes hold a special place in my heart. I love them to bits. And I feel like this is a good year for them to represent... shedding. 

I pulled two cards from my Wildwood deck, asking El'azar what I should work on at this time (or what I can eliminate). The cards that I pulled were Nine of Vessels - Generosity and Six of Bows - Abundance. Funny, because I looked at the Generosity card first without acknowledging the name and thought, "Oh, that looks like abundance."

Generosity and abundance... The former I can understand easily, although I have mixed feelings about my generosity. Do I give enough? Sometimes I feel like I do. I try to help whenever I can, give whatever I can. But there are times when I'm burnt out or need to hold on to something... 

Interesting, though. Generosity and abundance are obviously connected to one another, so what is El'azar trying to say here? That I need to be more abundant with my generosity? If that's the case, I certainly wasn't expecting this. 

What strikes me as interesting for the Abundance card is that the abundance is depicted (barrels of fruits and veggies), but no one is around to enjoy it. There is evidence people are close (a lit fire), yet the abundance remains untouched - as though it's being saved or savored. Appreciated, maybe?

Gratitude... I haven't been as actively grateful as I'd like to be. There are times when I do express gratitude for the small things: a gap in traffic, safety in my travels, a good parking spot. Of course, I'm grateful in my heart for everything else in my life, but I don't acknowledge that gratitude actively; that is, I don't say thank you for every little thing. 

I suppose while I'm in this dark(er) moment of my life, I should reflect on these things. Because the source of my troubles is worrying about the future and not being able to live the way I want to live. But when I actually remind myself, I have a pretty good life. Perhaps I'm not happy with having to go to school and acquire a job; however, when I think about it, I'm in a decent situation to change all that, or at least make the most of what it is I do end up doing until things shift globally for the better. I'm not rich, but I'm not poor. Therefore, I have the room or capability to do more of what I want to do. It'll take baby steps, sure... in the end, though, I know that I'll receive whatever is most appropriate for me. 

So as Year of the Snake begins, I have made it a general goal to transform and acquire a new skin. Something fresh and new and far less dull and itchy. I will appreciate what I have and give as much as I can to others in hopes that my own generosity will inspire theirs. I'll develop a good sense of adventure...

On a last note, I was thinking about Andromeda yesterday while I went about my tasks. It seems to be more and more fitting, despite meaning "ruler of men." I'm actually more interested in the galaxy then the actual mythological figure, although the latter still does make sense when I think about what I want to contribute to the world as an artist. To some degree.

I won't jump into anything just yet, though. I'm in no rush. I'd like to be at least in the process of developing a certain personal style before committing myself to more blogs and websites. I want to be happy with my work. So I'll let it stew... and maybe in a few more months - hopefully around my summer break - I'll be somewhere where I'm content with what I'm producing, even if it's in the drafting stages. 

I have all the time in the world... and if it doesn't work out, then it wasn't meant to be.
But I need to be honest with myself. I need to work from my heart.

Happy CNY!

Imbolc

"Luminous" - by Raipun @ deviantART

Beginning to find my light again. I'm still very unhappy with society, but at least I'm beginning to see everything in perspective again now. 

Speaking of perspective... I did my Imbolc reading last night for two main reasons: one, because I have to make up my 20th century art class tomorrow (from MLK), and two, because Friday and Saturday are usually my heavy homework days (since I take off Thursday and Sunday if possible). 

I assign a significant energy to each of my decks: Shiva for Gita, Leon for Psychic Tarot, Apollo for Mythic Oracle, Lucifer for Fallen Angels, Cernunnos for BoS, and Hades for Archeon. So now, with the arrival of Wildwood, I have assigned El'azar, one of my old quiet friends, to it. 

I sat down with him and Cernunnos and asked them each five questions based on the Imbolc ideas of new beginnings, lights in the darkness, etc. These were their answers...

1.) What was important in the past few months?
El'azar: Seven of Arrows - Insecurity.This caught me off guard. El'azar always struck me as a blunt type of guy, even in my past meditations with him. The card illustration definitely seems appropriate. It's very Saint Sebastian, only with more arrows. I do admit I have some minor insecurity issues only when it comes to what other people think. Fortunately, though, I've been catching myself every time the issue pops up, so I correct myself and say: "Why should I care?" But yes. This has been a very prominent theme in past months since it has to do directly with what I truly want to do in life.

Cernunnos: Ace of Fire - The Sun. A card of passion, success, and strong personal energy, but also ego and self-centeredness. I think the focus here is on passion (or the struggle with it) and ego, since I've still been in a constant battle with it. I guess my problem is that I don't know whether ego is "bad" and something I should be trying to avoid. There was a time when I was in harmony with it, but now I wonder: is it possible to be in balance with ego?

2.) Where am I now?
El'azar: Page of Stones - Lynx. I'm on the hunt, according to El. Looking for my prey. Using stealth and cunning to assist me. I do agree that I'm on the hunt, but I feel like there's a bit more to this message, so I'm going to pop open the book... "Mocking concepts of authority. Messages of prosperity or benefit. Learning the ropes. Keeping things down-to-earth." Yeah, that also makes sense.

Cernunnos: Five of Earth - Waterfalls. The strong concept here is stability and steadiness. Flowing at a strong, constant pace with nothing to hold me back. I need to be that waterfall now, he says. I need to flow unrestricted. Wash past the obstacles.

3.) What needs to be released?
El'azar: Six of Stones - Exploitation, Six of Vessels - Reunion, and Knight of Bows - Fox. Whew. El certainly had a lot to say here. Like I said: nice and blunt. Six of Stones has an air of suffering - of lack, of struggling to survive. Looking to the heavens for hope and prosperity, but receiving very little. Yes. Very appropriate. Six of Vessels shows more emotional prosperity. There's a quietness about this card that I really enjoy... it also emphasizes solitude, or at least communing with someone close to me.  and Knight of Bows... Trickery. Cleverness. This fox has the silliest expression on its face. I feel like the message here is deception. To stop deceiving myself and possibly others. 

Cernunnos: Nine of Water - Lakshmi. Once again, emotional prosperity. Even spiritual and physical, to some degree. A card based on abundance and enlightenment.

4.) What is important in the upcoming months?
El'azar: The Shaman. This is a very powerful card for me, and I know its meaning in my heart, so I won't bother to go into detail here.

Cernunnos: Three of Water - Flora. Creativity and abundance. Flowing fertility. That makes me excited, if not hopeful. I need to stop dwelling on the originality of my ideas and just go with what makes me happy - what defines "me." I take this message to heart.

5.) How can I turn my plans into reality?
El'azar: Knight of Stones - Horse. A card of freedom upon first glance. A wild and free spirit. Caring little for the thoughts of those around me. Doing what makes me happy - what empowers and fuels me. 

Cernunnos: Two of Earth: Beach. A gentle card of nurturing the self, soul-searching, being at peace, and being in balance with it all. 

So yeah. I'd say this was enlightening. I should probably read for myself more often, but when I'm in school, the desire to connect with the spiritual falters. So I guess my next "big" reading will be for Ostara, although I may do another mini one before that just to see how things are going. Maybe this is metaphorical... after all, it's winter. Much of what I've been feeling can be related to the concepts associated with winter. And now that spring is on the horizon... it's like the light is returning to my life.

I hope El'azar and Cernunnos are right.

Now I'm actually going to enjoy doing a bit of homework today. I have to do something to keep myself on track, especially since I'll be wasting a few hours of my day tomorrow at school. So off I go.

Happy Imbolc!